Correlation study. What is the relationship between nosocomial infections and mortality and healthcare cost? Topic: “Current Healthcare Issue” • A Research Proposal MUST include introduction, problem statement, purpose statement, research question, review of literature, sample planning, methodology, statistical analysis with hypothesis, P-Value, Power of Sample Size • APA Format • Minimum of 10 pages excluding title and reference page • At least 5 reliable resources including peer reviewed articles within 5 years should be included in literature review Drop in turnitin

Title: The Relationship between Nosocomial Infections, Mortality, and Healthcare Costs: A Correlation Study

Introduction:
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are infections that individuals acquire during their stay in healthcare facilities. These infections pose a significant threat to patient safety, leading to increased mortality rates and elevated healthcare costs. This correlation study aims to explore the relationship between nosocomial infections, mortality, and healthcare costs by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and statistical analysis of relevant data.

Problem Statement:
The increase in nosocomial infections is a significant concern for healthcare providers due to its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare expenditure. Understanding the relationship between nosocomial infections, mortality, and healthcare costs is crucial for addressing this issue effectively.

Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between nosocomial infections, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. By understanding the relationship between these variables, healthcare providers can develop strategies to mitigate the impact of nosocomial infections on patient safety and manage healthcare resources more efficiently.

Research Question:
What is the relationship between nosocomial infections and mortality rates, as well as the impact of these infections on healthcare costs?

Literature Review:
A comprehensive review of existing literature provides insights into the relationship between nosocomial infections, mortality, and healthcare costs. Prior research has consistently demonstrated a strong association between nosocomial infections and increased mortality rates (Allegranzi et al., 2016; Cassini et al., 2016). These infections can lead to prolonged hospitalization, delays in recovery, and an increased risk of developing complications or comorbidities, ultimately resulting in higher mortality rates.

Furthermore, nosocomial infections contribute to significant healthcare costs, including direct medical expenses and indirect costs associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased utilization of healthcare resources. A study by Zimlichman et al. (2013) estimated that nosocomial infections cost the healthcare system $9.8 billion annually in the United States alone.

Sample Planning:
The study will utilize a large sample size from multiple healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. The sample will include both pediatric and adult patients to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between nosocomial infections, mortality, and healthcare costs across different age groups.

Methodology:
A retrospective cohort study design will be employed to analyze existing patient data from electronic health records (EHRs) and administrative databases. The study will collect information on patient demographics, primary diagnosis, comorbidities, healthcare-associated infections, mortality rates, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs.

Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the sample. Bivariate analysis, such as chi-square tests and t-tests, will be conducted to examine the association between nosocomial infections, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis will further explore the relationship between these variables while controlling for potential confounding factors.

Hypothesis:
H1: There is a positive correlation between nosocomial infections and mortality rates, indicating that patients with nosocomial infections have higher mortality rates compared to those without infections.
H2: Nosocomial infections significantly increase healthcare costs, resulting in higher overall expenditures for patients and healthcare systems.

P-Value and Power of Sample Size:
A significance level of p < 0.05 will be used to determine the statistical significance of the findings. A power analysis will be conducted to ensure an adequate sample size for detecting meaningful associations between nosocomial infections, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. In conclusion, this research proposal outlines the methodology for a correlation study investigating the relationship between nosocomial infections, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. By examining existing literature and analyzing patient data, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of nosocomial infections on patient outcomes and healthcare expenditure. The findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for infection control and resource allocation in healthcare settings.